(Newser)
–
"Oops, I forgot I packed that loaded gun." That's the excuse TSA agents heard more than a few times upon discovering 2,212 firearms in people's carry-on luggage at airports last year. That's 22% more than were found in 2013; just 660 firearms turned up in 2005. According to the Department of Homeland Security, agents discovered an average of six guns each day in carry-ons or on a passenger's body. More than 80% were loaded, USA Today reports. When police interviewed the travelers, who face thousands in fines, the most popular excuse was that they'd forgotten the guns were there. Denver, Phoenix, Houston, Atlanta, and Dallas international airports saw the most firearm discoveries.

Passengers are allowed to pack firearms in checked baggage, provided the guns aren't loaded. Another 1,400 "dangerous objects" were also discovered last year. Among the more bizarre finds: a hand grenade, as well as an 8.5-inch knife inside an enchilada. In the case of the former, an LAX terminal was closed while a bomb squad intervened. In the latter case, the TSA determined the woman carrying the food forgot she put the knife inside. Stun guns, razors, firearm components, a pen/highlighter hiding small knives, and $1.2 billion in counterfeit goods—including $10 million worth of counterfeit Beats by Dre headphones—were also found. Three guns were spotted at Indianapolis International Airport on Wednesday alone, WTHR reports.